Revisiting methodological taxonomy: locating design science research within research design hierarchies

Abstract

Design Science Research (DSR) is recognised as a leading paradigm in information systems, engineering disciplines, and construction management fields. Despite its wide use and application, confusion still exists regarding its methodological placement as a research strategy, approach, or methodology. Notably, some of the most widely accepted methodological frameworks, such as the "research onion" developed by Saunders, Lewis, and Thornhill, has not positioned DSR in their taxonomic framework. This paper fills this conceptual gap through a systematic literature review and thematic analysis of existing literature. A 40 number of peer-reviewed articles were examined to establish how DSR is labelled and conceptually justified in existing literature. The results of this synthesis suggest that DSR is positioned as a research strategy, as justified by its prescriptive epistemology, logic of DSR inquiry, and structuring of the entire research process. Based on this synthesis of existing knowledge, a modified version of the widely accepted "research onion" is presented with DSR positioned as part of the research strategy layer of this framework. This paper contributes to methodological clarity, informs doctoral design decisions, and refines existing knowledge in the theoretical debate on research methods.